He says any decision made from a school perspective has an impact on the community, because he believes when the community gets involved things get done. In addition he believes "education can't exist without the community and the community can't exist without education."

The Ypsilanti schools superintendent shared his community perspective on education with 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry.

Dr. Edmondson says one of his biggest challenges is connecting with the community and parents to get them to hear the message about the importance of education. The district has lost 3500 students since 2010, and he feels it is his job to restore confidence in the school system and restore the faith in Ypsilanti Community Schools.

He says he brings a fresh perspective about what needs to be done to improve the school district and what needs to be let go of as they move forward.